At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide psychological support and assessments to help individuals with mental health challenges.
- Company: Join Dorset Steps2Wellbeing, a progressive NHS service focused on staff wellbeing.
- Benefits: Receive academic training, intensive supervision, and work in a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for career growth and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Must hold a Level 5 or Level 6 qualification; driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 30332 - 37072 £ per year.
Want to join an innovative team with a strong focus on staff wellbeing, achieving good recovery rates, and developing your professional knowledge and skills? Dorset Steps2Wellbeing is a dynamic and progressive service with a friendly and supportive team. You will work within NHS Talking Therapies, providing psychological interventions to people with mild to moderate common mental health problems, such as anxiety disorders and depression.
As a PWP, you will provide initial patient assessments and treatment to help support people by:
- Providing phone, online, and face-to-face support
- Carrying out risk assessments
- Liaising with other agencies, signposting and referring patients to services, such as housing, Community Mental Health Team, and employment
- Receiving regular clinical supervision
Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 7th and 14th December 2026. Interviews will be face-to-face at The Conifers, Dorchester, DT1 2PG.
You will undertake academic training provided and accredited by the University of Exeter. During the training year, your time will be split between university study and working within the service as a Trainee PWP. The training programme includes learning how to complete person-centred assessments, as well as developing skills in delivering CBT-based Guided Self-Help interventions for individuals experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety disorders, including Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder and OCD. University study is delivered using a hybrid learning model. Trainee PWPs work on a hybrid basis within the service, with a minimum of two days per week spent delivering face-to-face interventions and/or working from the office. All Trainee PWPs will receive intensive supervision and workplace support as an integral part of their training.
Experience of working in a setting with exposure to people experiencing mental health difficulties is required. Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Please ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful. Driving is essential for this role. You are required to have a full and valid UK driving licence and to travel using your own vehicle on Trust business.
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We are a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people. We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities. Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do, and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We are all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves. Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion, and expertise in all we do.
You must hold a Level 5 qualification for Graduate Certificate route or a Level 6 qualification for Post Graduate Certificate route. Or, meet the Apprenticeship route criteria attached to this vacancy. The training year can be completed as full-time or part-time via the Level 5 qualification for Graduate Certificate route or a Level 6 qualification for Post Graduate Certificate route ONLY. The part-time route is completed over a period of 18 months, as opposed to 12 months for the full-time route, and as either a 0.6 or 0.8 WTE.
All Trainee PWPs employer: Dorset Healthcare
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to empowering its staff and providing outstanding healthcare services in the beautiful surroundings of Dorset. With a strong emphasis on employee growth through in-house development programmes, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a supportive team environment, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a fulfilling career. Join us and be part of a workforce that values excellence, compassion, and expertise in all we do.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land All Trainee PWPs
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Join local mental health events, workshops, or awareness campaigns. You’ll not only learn more about the field, but these gatherings are great places to meet professionals already working in therapy or counselling—who knows, they might even have tips for landing a trainee position!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re in uni, don’t forget about career services—they're goldmines for finding trainee placements in therapy and counselling. They might host job fairs or have connections with local organisations that are looking for trainees. Make the most of it!
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Create a blog or use social media to share your thoughts on therapy techniques, mental health topics, or your learning journey. This makes you more visible to potential employers like Dorset Healthcare, showcasing your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Volunteer for Experience
Look for volunteer opportunities at local mental health charities or organisations. Hands-on experience is invaluable and can sometimes lead directly to trainee roles. Plus, it adds weight to your application when you go for positions like All Trainee PWPs with Dorset Healthcare!
We think you need these skills to ace All Trainee PWPs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Empathy Skills:In therapy and counselling, empathy is key. When crafting your CV and cover letter, show how you've developed this skill through your experiences, whether that’s from volunteer work, personal experiences, or relevant coursework. It’s all about demonstrating that you have the ability to connect with and understand others.
Showcase Relevant Academic Credentials:For a trainee role in therapy and counselling, your educational background matters a lot. Make sure to list your degrees, relevant coursework, and any certifications you have (like a certificate in counselling skills). If you’ve done any projects or placements, mention those too as they show you’re serious about your career path.
Express Your Passion for Learning:As a trainee, showing that you’re keen to learn and grow is crucial. Your cover letter should reflect your motivation for the role at Dorset Healthcare and your eagerness to develop your skills further. Talk about how you’re dedicated to evolving in the field and contributing to positive outcomes with clients.
Tailor Your Application to Dorset Healthcare:Each place has its vibes and focus areas, so take some time to understand what makes Dorset Healthcare unique. In your application, highlight why you resonate with their approach to therapy. This not only personalises your application but also shows that you’ve done your homework – something we can totally appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorset Healthcare
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Listening Skills
In the therapy and counselling world, empathy is key. During your interview for the trainee position at Dorset Healthcare, be ready to share examples that demonstrate how you've effectively listened and responded to others' needs. This could be from your studies or any relevant experiences!
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
Often, interviews for counselling roles include role-play exercises to assess your practical skills. Be ready to engage in a mock counselling session during the interview. Practising a few common scenarios beforehand will help you feel more comfortable and confident!
✨Passion for Learning is Key
As a trainee, they’re likely looking for someone enthusiastic about developing their skills. Be sure to discuss your motivations for entering the therapy field and how you're keen on learning new techniques, therapies, and therapies. This will show that you're committed to your own growth and client care.
✨Discuss Your Theoretical Knowledge
Even as a trainee, they’ll expect a solid foundation in counselling theories. Brush up on key theories and be prepared to discuss how you might apply them practically. This shows you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the framework guiding your future practice at Dorset Healthcare.
